Warning: I do not own A Song of Ice and Fire, nor this Story.
This story deserves to be available for readers to read. This Story was removed, it deserved to be available, Original Author is Blackwolf2019 as i don't own this story or its work.
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Chapter 22: Honour
Hope you all enjoy! Feel free tae comment as always!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Ser Barristan
The City was once again under the control of House Targaryen, taken with a lot of blood. Thankfully no dragon fire had been used. Military might and the surrender of the Lannister forces had taken away the need for the dragons, leaving them to simply soar over the city. That did not mean there had been problems. The city was damaged heavily, both from Cersei destroying the Sept and from their own forces. He'd also had to contend with the looters and rapers. Barristan had worked hard in the battle to stop anyone from taking the liberties that the Lannisters had done in the sack of King's Landing. Especially in the case of the Dothraki. They may be loyal to Daenerys but it did not stop their ways. He'd killed his fair share of them when he saw them attack the city-folk as was his duty as a knight. The Lannister Twins had also died before Daenerys could get her hands on them, annoying his Queen. Cersei strangled and Jamie killing himself after the fact. Barristan didn't know what to make of the sight, marking almost a repeat in history. All he knew was that the Lannister reign had ended and the realm was ruled by dragons again.
Sadly, it is never that simple.That was a lesson that Ser Barristan had slowly over the years. The wedding between the two Targaryens hadn't taken away the factions and their tensions. There were still Kingdoms that needed to be brought into the fold. And Winter was here and supplies were needed. Barristan was learning that lesson all the more, especially when he had seen a lad called Gendry, newly knighted by Lord Edric Dayne and the spitting image of King Robert Baratheon. The sight of him had left a bad feeling in his gut, remembering what had happened to the rest of Robert Baratheon's bastards.Would my monarchs allow him to live if they were informed of him?Barristan hadn't pondered the question, instead he had just acted on an instinct and decided to get the boy out of the city as quickly as possible.I owe it to his Father; a King I had failed. And I owe it as a knight to protect the innocent.Barristan had thought when he approached Lord Dayne a subtly as possible to avoid Varys and his cursed whisperers. Edric had been unaware of who Gendry's father was, but the young Lord clearly considered him a friend. The two had apparently been a part of the brotherhood without banners before leaving when Lord Dondarrion had died. Barristan and Edric had sent a few men with Gendry, taking him to Starfall where nobody would expect a Baratheon bastard to be.
Barristan hadn't been caught as far as he was aware, still maintaining his position, guarding Aegon and Daenerys, the two giving the appearance of a happily married couple as they entered the small council chambers.Both of them want to rule alone, the other is just a means of getting an heir to the throne.Barristan thought sadly as the two made their seats at the head of the table. The Small Council was made up of both factions, made more evident by them sitting on opposing sides. To Aegon's left, there was Varys as Master of Whispers, Randyll Tarly as Master of Laws, Harry Strickland as the Master of Coin and Jon Connington as the hand of the King.Many have already called Aegon King despite plans for being Prince-consort. It was inevitable the moment he rode Rhaegal.To Daenerys' right, there was Tyrion Lannister as Hand of the Queen, Victarion Greyjoy as Master of Ships and Garlan Tyrell as an ambassador for Willas Tyrell. They weren't the only ones at the table, with Arianne Martell among them, a Khal of the Dothraki, Jorah Mormont, Greyworm of the Unsullied and the Lady Missandei.
"Your Graces" The Council said in unison with their heads bowing. Daenerys and Aegon seemed pleased as they looked at them.
"What news ofmyrealm?" Daenerys asked first.
And now the bickering begins.
"Now that the capital has been taken and your wedding held, there are many things that need to do to secure your reign." Randyll Tarly stated bluntly, looking more to Aegon than Daenerys.
"Lord Tarly is right. We have many things that need to be put right. The Crown's finances among them." Harry Strickland agreed.
Daenerys looked unimpressed with that. "And what financial problems do we have? We have only just arrived and the wedding's expense were not grand."
Harry Strickland shook his head. "I'm afraid that is not true. Damages done to the city in the battle will cost money and more importantly we are heavily in debt to the Iron Bank. Six Million Dragons at this point."
"That debt was due to the Lannisters and Baratheons. A debt I have had no part in." Daenerys said forcefully.
"I'm afraid we do my wife. Those debts were made to the Crown. The Iron Bank is not foolish enough to make deals solely with the house that sits on the throne." Aegon said calmly to her.
"I'm sure they will wipe that debt should they see my dragons." Daenerys responded simply.
"Even Aegon the Conqueror knew to fear the Iron Bank Your Grace and he had dragons. Your father did as well. It would be wise to figure out a way to pay them, lest they decide to fund someone else to take the throne." Varys said softly.
Wise words. The Iron Bank always gets what it is owed, regardless of dragons.Barristan thought as he listened to the conversation.
"I'm sure in time we will be able to find an adequate solution. Perhaps we should move onto something else?" Tyrion suggested.
Aegon smiled, "I believe that's an excellent idea. Personally, I believe those debts will be impossible to pay if we have not got a working small-folk. How many supplies do we have for our people and armies?"
"Yes, with the presence of the Dothraki and Unsullied, we'll need ample supplies to keep them fed." Daenerys agreed.
A little bit late to be asking that question now that Winter is here. It should have been considered before invading.Barristan noted.
"The Reach should have ample food to supply us Your Graces. House Tyrell will gladly be able to supply both our own Kingdom the City and the armies. As well as supplementing other kingdoms if necessary." Garlan said confidently, looking at Daenerys.
Barristan noticed a scowl on Tarly's face. "The Reach may do it Lord Garlan as long as we are assured that the Dothraki horde is kept as far away from our lands as possible. I've seen how they acted in the taking of the city and in the encampment. I won't be feeding or housing them, much like other Reach Houses won't."
"Last I remembered Tarly, you were my brother's bannerman, and my father's before you abandoned him. You'll do as House Tyrell and the Crown asks." Garlan said harshly.
There was a mumbling among the group as the two Reach Lords glared at each other. It was ended by Daenerys.
"The Dothraki are a part of the realm Tarly. The Reach will provide its grain in full formyforces as well as the city."
Her words were blunt and final, sending the room to a silence before Aegon interjected.
"Lord Tarly, I assure you that the Dothraki will be kept from your lands. I won't have a loyal bannerman harmed. The Dothraki will be kept within the Crownlands for the time being. The Lannisters have left many abandoned lands in this region that should be able to house them for the time being."
"And they won't be settling for some time yet. There are other Kingdoms that have yet to submit to their rightful Queen." Daenerys added.
"You currently have the Stormlands, Crownlands, Iron Islands, Dorne and the Reach under your command. There is only the Vale, Riverlands and the North that have yet to return to the fold." Jon said with distaste at the rebelling Kingdoms.
"Our last reports tell us that the Vale and Riverlords were at Riverrun. I believe they may have been planning on attacking the city before our arrival." Tyrion offered.
"Was it to take it for themselves like last time?" Daenerys asked coldly.
"Most likely to fight my sister." Tyrion replied. "They had just as many reasons to hate her as you do."
"I imagine they will bend the knee your graces. They will be a formidable force but won't fight most of the realm, or dragons for that matter." Tarly stated.
"They were disloyal once. I will expect them to come south soon to ask for my forgiveness when they bend. And to swear loyalty in front of my dragons as well." Daenerys said bluntly.
That's one solution I suppose. Aegon used his dragons in a similar way. And Aerys with his wildfire. None of those Kingdoms will ever forget that, the North especially.
"And what of the North? I'm surprised they aren't with their old allies." Aegon asked the group.
"My little birds have heard nothing of the North since the message that was sent south by them. Maybe a rumour of a meeting with the Vale and Riverlands but nothing else." Varys answered easily.
"They are the most direct in challenging us. By declaring the first King in the North since Torrhen, they disregard my claim to the throne. I won't stand for that." Daenerys said with an anger to her voice.
"I'm afraid they will be a problem for after winter. I would not advise a military conquest of the North in winter. Our armies would freeze and the North is too large to hold a supply line or navigate without help." Tarly advised.
The man knew military matters. It was not something to argue with.
"My dragons will melt the snow if that's what bothers you Lord Tarly." Daenerys replied dryly.
"But we won't be able to hold the North once those dragons return to the capital." Tarly stated.
Daenerys glared at him.
"I'm not sure why we are speaking of this in truth. The North bent the knee to dragons once because they knew what they could do. They usurped my Father only because the Dragons were gone. Now that we are returned, they should remember that wisdom."
She still won't listen.Thought Barristan as he decided to do something that he had never done at a Small Council Meeting. Speak.
"With all do respect you Grace. I don't believe the North has forgotten what the dragons can do. The North Remembers You Grace. That applies to both your dragons and what your father did to Rickard and Brandon Stark… and what Rhaegar did to Lyanna. They'll remember that Ned Stark died wrongly by the hands of the South. I dare say that would incense them to fight regardless of dragon fire and the might of the South."
The Small Council had all looked to him in silence. Some agreeing with him, others keeping their opinions masked. Daenerys didn't seem to like his comment by the disapproving look.
"Then what can we do if they are unwilling to bend to wisdom?" Aegon asked, clearly flustered.
"We could starve them. Have every kingdom south of the neck deny them trade." Strickland said.
"I could attack what ships they have, meagre as their navy will be." Victarion said happily, almost puffing his chest with the Valyrian Steel armour he had acquired from his brother's former ship.
"All excellent ideas but I may have a much simpler solution. We already have a hostage that could make the King in the North bend." Varys said softly, everyone turning to him.
Barristan paled.He knows of Ashara.
"Who?" Aegon asked as he leaned forward.
Varys gave a sad look to Aegon. "The Septa Lemore Your Grace. I'm sorry to have not informed any of you but that is not her real name. She was once the Lady Ashara Dayne before joining with you. And she is also Jon Snow's mother."
You're not sorry at all. Just another tool for you.Barristan thought angrily.
"Father told me that she killed herself." Arianne muttered.
"No, she has remained a loyal retainer of Elia all these years. I had sent word that his grace lived and she came eager to serve. But a new name was necessary lest Robert's spies and assassins found him through her name. Her being Jon Snow's mother had never really been important, especially when he had gone to the wall." Varys answered calmly.
"You don't mean to threaten her death to get him to bend?" Aegon asked with a small waver in his voice.
"You might want to consider it Your Grace. She was the one who had advised us to treat with the Northmen when we were at Storm's End. She could very well be a traitor now that her blood has a crown on his head." Jon Connington said angrily.
"She's been loyal to us for years Lord Connington." Aegon said with a hint of doubt.
"We won't kill her most likely. Death would take away our hostage. The threat of it will make him bend." Varys said softly.
The words seemed to ease Aegon's body, having tensed at the mention of it. Then Daenerys smiled at the council and spoke firmly before Aegon could speak.
"Send word to the bastard of Winterfell. Tell him to come South and Bend the Knee for his mother's sake."
Barristan almost stormed off from the meeting, instead holding his anger at the two Targaryens.
Ashara had not been happy when they had told her the situation. In true Dornish spirit she had shown her anger at the two for doing that to her despite her loyalty to Aegon for so long. She'd shown her annoyance that her house stood idly by as House Targaryen commanded it. And she'd shown her rage when Daenerys called her son a usurper and an oath breaker. Ashara had been practically dragged out of the court as she made her scene in front of the Lords that were now aware of her being alive. Barristan hoped that the court would remember the day that Ashara Dayne almost managed to slap the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.
The crown had put her under guard in her quarters. Ashara was no longer allowed out of her chambers without an escort. The guards at her door were currently unsullied and would be there for half the night before a changeover. Barristan made short work of them, cutting through them deftly with his sword. They weren't effective outside of a formation. Barristan entered her chambers slowly, seeing the Dornish Woman drinking sadly from her cup. She looked beautiful even when she was miserable.
"My Lady." He said, announcing his presence.
Ashara looked up and stood with giving a bitter smile. He could see the "Are you to be my guard for the night?"
Barristan shook his head. "No, I am to be one of your rescuers. I've booked you onto a ship to Gull town. A group of your nephew's men will escort you. From there I advise you go to the North."
Ashara's face softened and her eyes turning confused. "You're defying your King and Queen?"
Barristan sighed. He'd mulled this over in his head ever since the small council meeting. He knew well enough that he was disobeying his oaths as a King's guard.
"Do you know how many monarchs I have served my Lady?"
Ashara shook her head.
"I've served five. And none of them have been particularly special, yet I served them all dutifully, even the ones the sit the throne now. But I am also a knight and will not stand idly be while an innocent suffers. Especially when that is you. This is a choice I will make gladly for you."
Barristan felt her softness as she hugged him and kissed his cheek then a one to the lips. Barristan felt his face warm for the first time in years.
"You always have been Bold, even before you were a knight." She said sweetly with tears. Her breath still on his lips even as she parted.
Barristan nodded wordlessly, surprised at her actions before bringing the dead guards into the chamber.In another life if we had met before my oaths.
Escorting Ashara through the keep was a relatively easy feat. His position as a King's Guard had allowed him complete access to the keep without being bothered. Nobody questioned him or who the woman was, face hidden by her scarf. They'd made their way out of the city and two the docks where Edric Dayne awaited with the guards that would escort her.
"Thank you, Ser Barristan, for bringing my aunt here." He said kindly as his aunt hugged him.The first time since his birth I imagine
"It was my pleasure." Ser Barristan said in return.
Lord Dayne nodded. "The galley will leave shortly along with others. Most are Dornish heading to bring supplies. This ship should go undetected among them."
"Thank you Edric. I am sorry I spoke harshly of you in the court. Though I want to scold you for meeting us here." Ashara said with a wry smile.
Gods it is nice to hear your words even if it is for a short time.
"I wanted to see my aunt properly at least once. I also wanted you to give a message on my behalf for my cousin. I'd like him to know he has friends and family in Dorne, should we ever be lucky enough to meet in peace."
He handed her a scroll. Ashara smiled as she grabbed it before hugging him once more. "I will, now I suggest you go before anyone realises what you've been up to."
Edric returned the hug before walking away from them, keeping himself hidden in his blackened clothes, leaving himself, the guards and Ashara Dayne.
"I believe it is time I say goodbye my Lady." Barristan said sadly.
"You're staying? What if Varys finds out?" Ashara asked worriedly.
"He would find you quicker if I were with you. And I would rather give you plenty of time to make an escape." Barristan said, placing an arm to her shoulder as comfort.
"You're going to let them know it was you!" She almost shouted into the night.
Barristan couldn't help but admire her temper. "Yes, my Lady. The second shift of guards will arrive at your chambers shortly. I intend to take the trail away from you."
Ashara looked displeased with his plan. Barristan decided to do something bold as he kissed her.Something I should have done in younger years.
As he parted from her, he smiled. "I wish you luck my lady. And your son as well."
He walked away proudly, knowing he'd done the right thing.I've served more than enough Kings. I believe it is only right I die for someone better than them.
Jon Connington
The alarm bells had started ringing and one of the guards had reported that Ser Barristan Selmy had released Ashara Dayne. The words made him angry.He betrayed Rhaegar for Robert once and now he betrays us for the bastard wolf's mother.Jon was furious as he joined the escort of guards taking him to the chambers where Selmy was reportedly fighting. Upon his arrival he was met with a bloody sight. The mixture of Dothraki, Unsullied and Reachmen were being slaughtered in the corridor by a single knight. Barristan's white beard and hair were being covered with blood as he effortless cut through the guards, protecting the doorway to Ashara's chambers. His white cloak had fallen to the floor, covered in blood.
Connington roared angrily as he rushed in to join the fight. "Traitor!"
Ser Barristan didn't look perturbed by the words as he effortless parried one man and then killed him and another in quick succession before meeting Connington's blade. He could feel the power behind the blade as it pushed him back onto the floor so Barristan could deal with someone else. Barristan killed a Dothraki after cutting the man's wrist off.
That annoyed Connington as he moved in on Selmy, slashing and stabbing as much as possible. Selmy avoided them all effortlessly, once again pushing him back onto the floor to deal with someone else. As Jon fell onto the floor, he saw another three men drop. This time Dothraki. The bodies were quickly piling up with terrified faces etched to them. The guards were running to get more fighters. They were all afraid of him, even the Dothraki.
"I am not afraid of Barristan the Old!"
Jon rose angrily, once again meeting Barristan's blade. This time he met him properly, going for attacks instead of simply pushing him away. Barristan's face was stoic as he ruthlessly bombarded Jon. Connington was barely able to block the onslaught of attacks as Selmy attacked relentlessly. Jon made an attempt at sidestepping Barristan so he could strike but it was met with another parry and a counterthrust. The thrust hit him in the chest. And the second one cut him at the neck. Connington dropped to the floor, hands grabbing his throat to prevent the blood from leaving him. It wasn't working.Not while this traitor lives.Jon thought as the blood spattered out.
As his eyes started to fade, he watched the fight continue to unfold. Barristan Selmy gradually growing more tired as the guards piled up. He had felled another ten before the Unsullied guards arrived, forming a spear formation. Connington held on long enough to see the spears finally make their mark, impaling him before a Dothraki took his head. Connington's eyes darkened as the guards failed to treat him and others shouting that Ashara was gone.I got your son to his place Rhaegar. I hope you aren't disappointed that I couldn't do more when we meet.He smiled at the thought of meeting the silver prince as he died and knowing that Barristan would suffer in the Seven Hells as a traitor and oath breaker.
Hope you all enjoyed! I felt this chapter fit better here than later. Especially because we are going tae be in the north fir 3 chapters so it is necessary tae see the aftermath of taking King's Landing.
Fir anyone who thinks Barristan is out of character. It is implied in the books that he did love ashara so this event was enough to break the camel's back. That and he is the symbol of Knighthood in the books. Will do what is right for the innocent.
And the marriage between aegon and daenerys has happened but it hasnae ended the factions within their allies.
Any questions, feel free tae ask